Swiss voters have given a strong approval to a law on new surveillance powers for the intelligence agencies. The new law will allow the authorities to tap phones, snoop on email and deploy hidden cameras and bugs. <br/><br/>Supporters said it will help Switzerland catch up with other countries. Opponents have feared it could erode civil liberties and put Swiss neutrality at risk by requiring closer co-operation with foreign intelligence agencies.<br/><br/>Some 65.5 per cent of voters agreed to accept the proposal. It will allow the Federal Intelligence Service and other agencies to put suspects under electronic surveillance if authorised by a court, the Defence Ministry and the Cabinet. The big vote in favour of new powers for the intelligence services shows just how concerned the Swiss have become about a possible militant attack. The Swiss government says the powers would be used about once a month to monitor the highest-risk suspects.<br/><br/>The new surveillance law was passed last year but has not yet been enacted after opponents collected enough signatures to force a referendum under Switzerland's system of direct democracy.